Hello all:
While reading the memoirs of Abner Jones, I came across this nice little tidbit, which reminded me of various incidents (sometimes ongoing) in different congregations I’ve been a member of over the years. I couldn’t help but laugh at the thought of how many things stay the same, even after 200 years. I like Jones’ remedy for how to solve the problem, as well as his remedy for determining who should preach before the church.
Josh
After speaking of the declension of the church in Boston, and some of the causes of it, he attributes it mainly, after all, to a want of thorough organization. And this was the case, he says, in most of the churches. The brethren mistook their liberty for license, and things were not conducted in that order which the New Testament enjoins, and which is essential to success. He then goes on to say.
“The great Head of the church has ordained that there shall be Elders in every church; neither can any church prosper long at a time, without a Pastor, or Elder. For lack of this our early churches suffered much, nor was it possible for us to take proper care of our churches. This caused many to go over to the Baptists, and Methodists, that they might thereby enjoy the blessing of a constant ministry. Many wandered from the fold into the world for the want of being well taken care of; so upon the whole, on this ground we have been very great losers. It was a favorite doctrine in all our early churches that there were gifts in the church, such as prayer and exhortation, which ought to be improved in public meetings, as well as those or preaching. This doctrine I now firmly believe. But in those early clays, I am constrained to say that in the injudicious use of this privilege great evil was done. For it is certain that many who had not gifts to speak either to the edification of saints, or the conviction of sinners, were the most forward to occupy the time, and such become a great burden to the church, and gave the enemy great occasion to blaspheme. If any attempt was made to correct such an evil, the cry was immediately made, ‘You want to take away our liberties, you want to bring us into bondage, you want to be popular, you want to be a Lord over God’s heritage,’ &c. &c. The question will now arise, how shall this evil be remedied in such a manner as not to stop the exercise of these valuable gifts? Answer. ‘Let the church judge of these gifts as they do of preaching gifts, and also approve the same. If a brother says, ‘God has called me to preach, the church does not approve or hear such a brother, unless they can I discover preaching gifts in him. In the same manner let the church judge impartially of all gifts.. I do not believe that every man, women, and child who are converted, have gifts to speak in public meetings. Circumstances have often occurred like the following. The sermon has been delivered in a most solemn, spiritual and judicious manner. Saints have been made happy, and sinners have been solemnly impressed. But a weak brother or sister arises, merely because they feel happy and want to express it. Yet they can say nothing to edification, and the good impressions are often injured. But it is said such an one has as good right as any other, and he ought to speak to clear his own mind. But let us remember that the true object of speaking is not to edify ourselves, but to edify others.
I have never questioned the piety, and good intentions of such brethren; but to me there is a deep importance to be attached to the charge, that every thing should be done decently and in order. Saint Paul says, that though many things are perfectly lawful, they are not expedient.
–Memoir of Elder Abner Jones, by Abner Dumont Jones. pp. 76 - 78.